India Builds Relations with Fiji: 3 MoUs Signed, 15 More on the Anvil
India Builds Relations with Fiji: 3 MoUs Signed, 15 More on the Anvil
India has just signed 3 MoUs with Fiji. This includes one for allocation of land in diplomatic mission building in the capitals of the two nations. The MoUs were inked during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s day long visit. This is the first visit to Fiji by an Indian PM in 33 years. The first MoU was for training programmes for diplomats signed between the Foreign Service Institute of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Fiji.
Closer relations and bilateral exchanges between India and Fiji as well as the Pacific nations will be fostered through this MoU, an official statement said. A second MoU was on earmarking of land in Suva, the capital of Fiji and New Delhi for the construction of diplomatic missions. The official statement issued by the government said, “This will provide a permanent location for the conduct of our relations and will be an iconic presence in Suva.”
The third MoU signed was for extension of a USD 70 million line of credit for the establishment of a co-generation plant in Rarawai Sugar Mills in Fiji. More bilateral cooperation in the sugar sector of the two nations will result. This move will also allay climate change concerns. India has also provided assistance for up gradation and product development in three major Fiji sugar mills.
The MoUs were signed in a ceremony where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fijian Prime Minister Josiah V Bainimarama were present, in Suva.
Other Developments
Apart from the signing of the 3 MOUs, the two nations also laid ground for around 15 more agreements. Apart from this, both New Delhi and Suva will work for the expansion of trade and investment between the two nations and create a concrete roadmap for the same.
The aim of work between the two nations will also be to expand the defence and security cooperation. This includes assistance in defence training and capacity building. The two nations have also agreed to consult each other more closely on international issues which encompass climate change, UN reforms, United Nations Peacekeeping changes and international trade. Extension of visa on arrival facility for people of the Pacific nation is also being pursued by the two nations. A 5 million US dollar fund is also in the pipeline to promote small business and village enterprises. There will also be double scholarships and training slots in the nation for Fijian students.
PM’s Address to the Fiji Parliament
Following the signing of the agreements, PM Modi also addressed the Parliament of this nation. He spoke of how India aims to make Fiji a digital country. He also appreciated the Fijian Constitution that guarantees basic rights and freedom to its citizens.
iTaukei
On his arrival to Fiji, the Indian PM was accorded a traditional welcome called iTaukei by the Fijian tribe at Albert Park. The last Indian PM to be given this traditional welcome was Indira Gandhi who visited Fiji in 1981.
Beginning and Deepening of Bilateral Relations
"This is only the beginning. We have some 15 more agreements in the works, and we expect to sign them soon-on agriculture, trade, health, water, sports and other areas of development,” Bainimarama said following the signing of the MoUs, according to Zee News.
“We are pleased that our relationship with India is growing and we are proud to have India as a partner in Fiji’s future,” added the Fiji PM Bainimarama.
"Fiji also needs assistance, and I am pleased that we were able to discuss India’s assistance to Fiji, which is both generous and respectful of our needs,” he also said.
